The Problem:
You so often see people stretching before training. While it isn’t wise to force full range of motion on tight muscles, you don’t want to stretch cold muscles…the body is like a french fry (just go with it): when you try to bend a frozen french fry it will snap in two. But, if you heat it up first, the fry will bend to-and-fro.
The Solution:
Before you begin your training session it is ALWAYS a good habit to warm up. A few minutes on the treadmill or bike, whatever you need in order to get the blood flowing and you body temperature up. Once you are warmed up, a light stretch before heavy, or light lifting, is wise. It promotes better range of motion and optimal muscle function. However, you don’t want to overstretch prior to lifting. Overstretching will inhibit optimal muscle function.
After training it is important to stretch. Stretching will assist in recovery and help with soreness. Tight muscles promote poor posture and the bigger you get, the tighter you will get and the less you will be able to scratch your own head…so go ahead and stretch!
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